Gayle0000

I think it's wonderful you are going back to work. I know it's hard to leave the baby after all we go thru...pregnancy, childbirth, caring for the newborn...BUT... I recently started working again part-time and it's very fulfilling for me as a human being to get out with other adults and get back that part of my career life I set aside for a while. I knew I was missing work REALLY BAD...but I didn't realize how much I missed it until I really got back. I have a greater appreciation for the time I have with DD and my family life than I ever had before marriage & baby.

You are soooo fortunate to have relatives to care for your baby. I am still struggling with finding regular part-time childcare. Because of that, part of my time working is from home...and the other part is juggling a babysitter for a few hours here and there. My employer is awesome and I appreciate his attitude on making time for family first.

It's VERY hard to work from home with a baby...especially when the majority of work needs to be done during business hours. I cannot stress this enough. I would LOVE to be able to go to work at the office on a regular basis.

I guess my words of support are that I completely understand the trauma we go thru of leaving our children to go back to work...it's normal and hard to do. However, if you make the best of the situation, I think you'll do well. Your baby is old enough to where he knows YOU are mommy. He will not forget you. This is more of an adjustment period for you. Take the time to get back to your old self...or at least realize you are mostly there to being back to normal.

My best friend (had a baby 2 weeks after me) and I were talking last night...as our babies are turning 1 now. We both agreed that when we hit 9 months PP, our bodies felt normal again and our outlooks on home life, the future, and work were something to be excited about. No reason to feel sad (for too long) about moving past the newborn baby phase. You cannot go back and re-do anything. Hanging on to the past too tightly could be more harmful emotionally if you don't let yourself move forward.

Take some time to remember what you liked about your job. You are going back to it. Your baby will always be there. Your baby will be so happy to see you. I think it's healthy for the baby to have some time away from Mom. I notice my DD is not as clingy as she used to be. She has become so independent...and I think more trusting of me than when I was with her 24/7. She KNOWS I'll be coming back soon. Before I started getting away, DD was always upset when I wasn't in her sight. I think it's good for everyone...she knows I'm her mom...she still loves me more than anyone...and I've been working for about 3 months now.

You will get to have the best of both worlds. Look forward to the opportunity! Good luck and I hope your transition goes smoothly.
Gayle